Hyundai A-League MatchDay 17 Preview

Melbourne Victory V Sydney FC:

This years BigBlue clash sees top of the table Sydney FC take on 2nd placed Melbourne Victory. Kevin Muscat’s side were in a rich vein of form, accumulating six consecutive victories however over the past 2 weeks they have really struggled, losing to Wellington and Perth Glory. Sydney FC remain undefeated and continually impress. This match will be played at Etihad Stadium and the home side will receive plenty of support from the home crowd. Melbourne Victory will be hoping the home ground advantage can help them return to winnings ways, as they haven’t lost in Victoria since their 2-0 defeat to Melbourne City in the FFA Cup Semi-Finals in October. Kevin Muscat and his boys will have their eyes set on this one, they’d know they best way to defeat the league leaders is to find the back of the net more than once.

The Jets were able to defeat Brisbane Roar in MatchDay 14 and remain highly inconsistent. They are a incredibly dangerous side when Andrew Nabbout is in good form. He somehow finds a way to win Newcastle matches and they will have to rely on him once again this week. Melbourne City have been concede goals of late, allowing Central Coast and Adelaide (the two worst sides in the competition) to score 3 goals. I’m expecting this one to be a relatively high scoring encounter, very confident Newcastle can find the back of the net at-least once.

The Central Coast Mariners have lost three consecutive matches and will most likely face another defeat against Perth Glory this weekend. Perth have transformed their six game winless run into a unbeaten streak of five, topped off by a solid performance against a raging Melbourne Victory side. Perth Glory haven’t won a game away from home since Matchday 3 where they claimed a 3-2 victory over Melbourne City. This will change on Saturday night, a rejuvenated Glory side will be far too strong for bottom of the table Central Coast.

The Wanderers finally won their first game at their home stadium of Campbelltown. They are specialists at finding the back of the net at-least once and I’m confident they can do it once more against quality opposition. The last time these two met and neither scored a goal was way back in August 2015, where WSW claimed a 1-0 victory.

The reigning champions have had absolutely no luck this season in the Hyundai A-League. Adelaide United are sitting towards the bottom end of the ladder for a reason, they simply aren’t able to dish up consistent football. I’d expect the Phoenix to bounce back from a loss to Brisbane last week. They will have their eyes set on playing finals and will get through this match quite comfortably. Adelaide United are favourites to win ($1.94) but I’m confident the Phoenix can get back on the winners list this weekend.